Why do we make arguments?



  • To convince and inform


    To persuade

Questions: How do you define argument? What do you see as the difference between convincing and persuading?

  • To make decisions


    To understand and explore

Question: What definitions might be hard to make? How do we approach these tough decisions? How do we move from pros and cons to a reasonable and defensible decision?

Can we explore possibilities without constraints or prejudices?

Note: Exploratory arguments can be personal.

They may begin by trying to understand another’s perspective as in invitational arguments.

Or they may take a Rogerian approach, approaching audiences in similarly nonthreatening ways, finding common ground and establishing trust among those who disagree.

Have you explored ideas as a way to understand?